No peace for Cheryl's family
The police are still working around the clock to catch the killer, or killers, of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha although there has been a lack of viable leads.
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga said yesterday that finding the person or persons who kidnapped, murdered and dismembered Ujaha in August remains a top priority.
“We've had no breakthrough up to now, but are working around the clock. We are hopeful and we look forward to making a breakthrough,” he said.
He confirmed that the N$100 000 reward for any credible information that would help the police close the case remains in place.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing any tips that could lead to an arrest.
“The long arm of the law will catch this person,” Ndeitunga said.
Swirling thoughts
Ujaha's aunt, Batseba Kaimu, told Namibian Sun yesterday that although the family had forgiven the person responsible for her niece's murder, the delay in catching the guilty party was a heavy burden to carry.
“We want to have peace of mind. Who is this person? Why he did it. These questions are swirling around our minds.”
She said the family felt frustrated at the delay of justice for Ujaha's murder, but trusted that the police were doing everything they could.
Nevertheless, she said the grief was still fresh and most of the family were experiencing sleepless nights and endless thoughts about the murder.
“We are always thinking of this. Thinking and hoping. That's all that goes through our minds. That one day we will know the person and why he did it, and whether he did it once, or how many people he might have killed. These questions come to mind.”
She said the family was clinging to the hope that justice would take its course.
“I don't believe that nothing will happen. I don't believe that. We are praying, and know the person will come forth. We must see him. Know him. We have already forgiven him, from the point of the family, but we need to see him and who he is and why he did this.”
Support from the public, including the office of First Lady Monica Geingos, who arranged counselling for the family, has helped, she added.
On 28 August, the police confirmed that Ujaha's mutilated body had been discovered near the Shanghai traffic circle near Khomasdal after she had been reported missing the previous weekend.
Man appears for child rape
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man accused of raping a two-year-old toddler was denied bail at the Outjo Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Gotfried Naibab is charged with abduction, rape and assault GBH under the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
The little girl disappeared on Wednesday, along with two young boys aged two and four.
The police say Naibab lured the kids with sweets but that the two boys eventually returned home without the girl.
A search led to her discovery in the bush on the outskirts of town early on Thursday morning. She was alive but seriously injured. A medical examination confirmed that she had been raped.
Naibab was found covered with blood in the Soweto location before the girl's discovery. He was detained for questioning and eventually arrested in connection with the crime.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 19 November. He was referred for psychiatric observation.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga said yesterday that finding the person or persons who kidnapped, murdered and dismembered Ujaha in August remains a top priority.
“We've had no breakthrough up to now, but are working around the clock. We are hopeful and we look forward to making a breakthrough,” he said.
He confirmed that the N$100 000 reward for any credible information that would help the police close the case remains in place.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing any tips that could lead to an arrest.
“The long arm of the law will catch this person,” Ndeitunga said.
Swirling thoughts
Ujaha's aunt, Batseba Kaimu, told Namibian Sun yesterday that although the family had forgiven the person responsible for her niece's murder, the delay in catching the guilty party was a heavy burden to carry.
“We want to have peace of mind. Who is this person? Why he did it. These questions are swirling around our minds.”
She said the family felt frustrated at the delay of justice for Ujaha's murder, but trusted that the police were doing everything they could.
Nevertheless, she said the grief was still fresh and most of the family were experiencing sleepless nights and endless thoughts about the murder.
“We are always thinking of this. Thinking and hoping. That's all that goes through our minds. That one day we will know the person and why he did it, and whether he did it once, or how many people he might have killed. These questions come to mind.”
She said the family was clinging to the hope that justice would take its course.
“I don't believe that nothing will happen. I don't believe that. We are praying, and know the person will come forth. We must see him. Know him. We have already forgiven him, from the point of the family, but we need to see him and who he is and why he did this.”
Support from the public, including the office of First Lady Monica Geingos, who arranged counselling for the family, has helped, she added.
On 28 August, the police confirmed that Ujaha's mutilated body had been discovered near the Shanghai traffic circle near Khomasdal after she had been reported missing the previous weekend.
Man appears for child rape
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man accused of raping a two-year-old toddler was denied bail at the Outjo Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Gotfried Naibab is charged with abduction, rape and assault GBH under the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
The little girl disappeared on Wednesday, along with two young boys aged two and four.
The police say Naibab lured the kids with sweets but that the two boys eventually returned home without the girl.
A search led to her discovery in the bush on the outskirts of town early on Thursday morning. She was alive but seriously injured. A medical examination confirmed that she had been raped.
Naibab was found covered with blood in the Soweto location before the girl's discovery. He was detained for questioning and eventually arrested in connection with the crime.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 19 November. He was referred for psychiatric observation.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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